Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is facing mounting pressure as concerns escalate over the delayed infrastructure development for the Kakkanad metro extension.
With plans to commence piling for the extension from mid-May, KMRL finds itself under scrutiny from motorists, NGOs, and residents’ and traders’ associations demanding expedited action on crucial infrastructure projects, particularly the widening of Civil Line Road and other associated corridors. The awaited concurrence of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which is set to extend a loan for the 11.20-kilometre extension, stands as a pivotal milestone for initiating piling works by mid-May, as per sources within the metro project. However, the widening of Civil Line Road, crucial for the viaduct’s passage, encounters delay primarily due to obstacles such as the relocation of electric and private telecom posts.
The proposed barricading of eight metres of the road in the JLN Stadium-Infopark corridor to facilitate piling work poses logistical challenges, exacerbating concerns among motorists. Despite the timeline projection of completing the viaduct in the JLN Stadium-Infopark corridor by October 2025, followed by additional works on signal systems and tracks, scepticism lingers over the timely execution of the project. While Afcons Infrastructure emerged as the lowest bidder for constructing the viaduct and nine stations, concerns voiced by the Thrikkakara Development Forum (TDF) underscore the urgency for KMRL to address infrastructure delays. IT professionals and residents alike advocate for wider access roads and footpaths to Infopark to mitigate potential congestion during metro construction. As KMRL navigates through infrastructure challenges, the onus lies on the authorities to prioritise efficient project management and stakeholder engagement to ensure the timely and seamless execution of the Kakkanad metro extension, crucial for enhancing Kochi’s urban mobility infrastructure.
